Maximize your balcony space and garden health by planting complementary vegetables, herbs, and flowers together.
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. Plants can help each other grow better, deter pests, improve soil health, and maximize limited balcony space.
Consider sunlight, container size, and your growing goals. Different combinations work for different situations.
Select plants with similar water, sun, and soil needs. Consider growth habits and harvest times.
Place taller plants to not shade shorter ones. Consider airflow and access for harvesting.
Observe how plants grow together. Some combinations work better than others in your specific conditions.
The ultimate companion planting superstar
Repels aphids and improves tomato flavor
Deter many tomato pests
Repel nematodes and other soil pests
Quick-growing ground cover
Heat-loving plants that benefit from friends
Share similar growing conditions
Repels aphids and improves growth
Deter onion flies and other pests
Attract beneficial insects
Cool-season crops that grow quickly
Fast-growing markers and pest deterrents
Compatible root vegetables
Sacrifice plants that attract aphids away
Fix nitrogen for leafy greens
Traditional Three Sisters combination
Ground cover and pest protection
Quick ground cover between bean plants
Improves bean flavor and growth
Natural pest repellents that release compounds harmful to many garden pests. Plant around tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Sacrifice plants that attract aphids away from valuable crops. Edible flowers and leaves add peppery flavor to salads.
Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on aphids and other garden pests.
Even beneficial companions need adequate space for air circulation and root growth. Overcrowding leads to disease and poor growth.
Tall plants can shade shorter companions, reducing growth and yield. Different plants have different sunlight requirements.
Some plants prefer dry conditions while others need consistent moisture. This can stress one or both plants.
Some companion plants like marigolds have strong scents that can bother people with allergies or sensitivities.
Maximize space with companion plants in vertical arrangements.
Organic pest management techniques to complement companion planting.
Proper nutrition for healthy companion plant relationships.
Learn about our approach to natural, sustainable gardening.